Men's preventive check-up

Total PSA is a protein that is produced by the cells of the prostate. The laboratory value measures the total amount of PSA in the blood and is primarily used for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer and other prostate diseases.

A PSA test is recommended for: Men over 50 years of age as a preventive examination Men with a family risk of prostate cancer (e.g. father or brother affected) Men with symptoms such as frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine or pain in the pelvic area Patients with known prostate cancer to monitor the course of the disease or after treatment

The test serves for the early detection of prostate cancer and for the differentiation between benign and malignant changes of the prostate. It is also used to monitor the success of a therapy or an intervention.

Here is the translation: An elevated PSA level can indicate prostate cancer, but it is also elevated in benign prostate diseases such as prostatitis (inflammation) or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Symptoms that may be associated with elevated PSA include: Frequent urination, especially at night Weak or interrupted urine flow Pain or pressure in the pelvic area A normal or low PSA level is reassuring, but does not completely rule out prostate cancer, especially in the case of aggressive tumors.

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day. The PSA value can be influenced by physical activity or manipulation of the prostate (e.g. through a rectal examination or cycling). Therefore, such influences should be avoided before the blood draw.

An elevated PSA value alone is not sufficient for the diagnosis of prostate cancer; further examinations such as ultrasound or biopsy are required. The PSA value can also be influenced by medications such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Regular PSA tests are discussed controversially, as they can lead to overdiagnosis and over-treatment.

Free PSA is the proportion of PSA that is not bound to proteins in the blood. The laboratory value measures the concentration of fPSA and is often set in relation to the total PSA to distinguish between benign and malignant prostate changes.

A PSA test is recommended for: Men with an elevated total PSA level who require further evaluation Men with a family history of prostate cancer Monitoring of patients with a known prostate condition in whom prostate cancer needs to be excluded

The test serves to assess the risk in men with elevated total PSA. A low fPSA ratio increases the likelihood that the cause is a malignant tumor.

A low fPSA value (in relation to total PSA) indicates a stronger likelihood of prostate cancer, while a higher proportion is more indicative of benign changes. Symptoms of a prostate condition may include: Frequent or painful urination Feeling of pressure in the pelvic area Blood in the urine

How the total PSA test should be performed, avoiding physical activity, manipulation of the prostate or sexual intercourse, in order not to distort the results.

The fPSA value is usually only used in combination with the total PSA. A low fPSA ratio (<25%) may indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer. The test can help avoid unnecessary biopsies by improving the informative value of the total PSA value. However, we always recommend consulting a specialist in addition.